Heatherwick – Blue Carpet

The Blue Carpet was a public art project designed by Thomas Heatherwick for in front of the Laing Art Gallery. The square is covered by blue paving slabs that are made from mixing crushed blue glass with resin. Certain tiles curve up to create benches and reveal sunken glass topped-boxes that hold coloured lights. And a a new staircase was created featuring skin of wood ribbons constructed by a local boat builder.

The slabs have been made from “TTURA™” which is a material made from “85% recycled glass, including previously ‘difficult’ waste from consumer, building and automotive waste streams. Combined with a solvent free resin”

The outcome has had some controversy because the blue tiles have greyed and kids use the benches to skateboard that causes damages to them, meaning they are often boarded of for repairs. Thieves have also dismantled the bronze parts of the artwork which has cost more in repair than the metal they stole in general.

It’s an interesting example of work that has used recycled glass. TTURA material has examples of it being used in furniture and flooring…